|
12.7.2008:
After a good start in his fight against IBF # 4 super
middleweight contender Robert Steiglitz, Fawaz Nasir was
pulled out by his corner in the fifth round on Friday night in
Cuxhaven, Germany. Nasir started well and landed many times with
his quick and sharp jab in the first two rounds, but already in
the second he felt that something was wrong in his right
shoulder.
The Dane was still very much in the fight in round three, but as
the round drew to a close Stieglitz began to get the upper-hand
more and more, and Nasir had serious difficulties in keeping the
strong Russian-German at bay. In the fourth things got worse for
Nasir, and in the fifth it was apparent that he could no longer
compete against the skilled former world-title-challenger.
Unable to defend himself with just one working arm and in
excruciating pain, Nasir suddenly took a knee and trainer Brian
Mathiasen consequently informed the referee that he was pulling
Nasir out. With that, Stieglitz was the winner by fifth round
technical knockout, and a new record of 32-2 (20). Nasir dropped
to 13-3 (8).
After the fight Nasir was diagnosed with a torn tendon in the
shoulder by the on-site doctor, but will go to a Danish hospital
for X-rays as soon as possible.
"Fawaz
was in the fight from the beginning, and competing with
Stieglitz on even terms, but when he got injured the writing was
on the wall”, says co-manager Henrik Risum who handles Nasir in
cooperation with Fight Production in Germany.
"I’m not saying he was on a clear course to victory if he hadn’t
gotten injured, not at all, but he certainly had a fair shot and
was not doing too bad. Stieglitz face was looking much worse
than Fawaz after the fight, but with just one arm, it was never
going to happen. Brian made the right decision in stopping the
fight when he did..." |
